Do you push yourself too hard? Are you like me and have a hard time saying no? When you're just beginning as a freelancer, it's so easy to jump at every opportunity that crosses your path. Wait, isn't that what you're supposed to do when you are at the starting line of your career? At least that's what I thought, but I'm increasingly beginning to reject this line of thinking.

​There are not enough hours in the day to take on every possible client. My full-time job has me on a "four tens" schedule. That means I work Tuesday to Friday from 5:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This is nice because I get a three-day weekend, but I don't get much time in the evening to do freelance work. After the kids are asleep and everything is cleaned up, it's about 7:30 or so. Bed time for me is 8:30 or 9:00 ( I get up at 3:00 ). This means I get about an hour to do freelance work. Plus I'm going to school for a Communications Design Certificate. This leaves very little time for other fun/relaxing activities and time with my wife.

I've come to realize a healthy level of work in your life is crucial. As a freelancer, you're starving for clients because you need to build your portfolio and before you know it, you've got too much on your plate. This past week, I had to tell some clients I couldn't start working with them until my term was over.

I can lose sight of what's really important in my life (faith, family and friends). I don't know how others feel about this, but these are my thoughts as a freelancer at the starting line.